The goal of a destination management plan is to ensure the quality of life for residents and the quality of place for visitors.

“Tourism management is about making that equation work, and it means that organizations like ours … have to recognize that the No. 1 ingredient to a successful economy in the travel industry really comes down to a successful community first,” Regional Office of Sustainable Tourism CEO Jim McKenna told the News in April when explaining the destination management plan.

ROOST hired a company out of West Vancouver, British Columbia — MMGY NextFactor — to write the plan.

The Destination Management Plan Steering Committee’s first meeting was held in May. Since then, MMGY NextFactor employees have interviewed dozens of local civic, business and government leaders; residents; and industry stakeholders. They’ve also met with a variety of focus groups to get input: arts and culture; lodging and short-term rentals; sports tourism; outdoor recreation; shore owners; economic, community and nonprofit organizations; food and beverage; and meetings, festivals and events.

We have full confidence that MMGY NextFactor will come up with a destination management plan that will be thorough and helpful in creating a tourism/residential life balance in Lake Placid. They’ve helped other communities do the same thing: Denver, Manitoba, Greater Miami CVB, Indianapolis and Breckenridge, Colorado.

But they can’t do it without your help. For all the residents who’ve been vocal on social media about changing the way the town and village balance tourism with the needs of the community, now is your time to participate in the process.

Residents will have two opportunities to hear the destination management plan proposal — as it stands now — and give their opinions during two, one-hour virtual town hall meetings. Greg Oates, senior vice president of innovation with MMGY NextFactor, will moderate the meetings.

“Your feedback is a critical step to ensure the effectiveness of the plan,” says ROOST.

– Monday, Nov. 1 at 8 a.m.

– Wednesday, Nov. 3 at 5:30 p.m.

Join on the Zoom teleconferencing platform at: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/83089665533. Call in: 929-205-6099. Meeting ID: 830 8966 5533.

During the call, Oates will:

– Reveal key takeaways from community engagement;

– Outline the strategic framework for the plan; and

– Solicit your input to further develop and refine the plan.

ROOST officials aren’t writing the destination management plan; rather, they are facilitating the process with MMGY NextFactor.

McKenna said he expects to have an approved plan in hand by January.